Coastal Scottish town famous for iconic chip shops and birthplace of deep fried Mars bar
Friday, June 6, marks National Fish and Chip Day, with fans across the UK urged to celebrate this iconic British dish. From Shetland to Cornwall, people will be tucking into a humble 'chippie' meal to mark the occasion, or simply because it's Friday.
For fish and chip lovers in Scotland, one town stands out as the ultimate destination: Stonehaven, on the stunning Aberdeenshire coast.
Despite its modest population of just over 11,000, Stonehaven boasts four c hip shops serving locals, tourists, and daytrippers alike. Impressively, two of these were named among the UK's top 40 by the National Federation of Fish Friers, Scottish Daily Express reports.
Redcloak Fish Bar and Carron Fish Bar both earned spots on the list, with judges praising the quality of their fare.
Redcloak, located away from the famous harbour, is celebrated for its particularly tasty fish, while the Carron claims to be the birthplace of the legendary deep-fried Mars bar, though it was known as Haven Chip Bar at the time.
According to Google, the Carron shares the top spot in the town with Bay Fish and Chips, a firm local favourite boasting more than 90 awards over the years.
Even Meyden, the lesser-known chippie, holds an impressive 4.2-star rating with many glowing five-star reviews.
Aberdeenshire itself is a haven for chip shops, with six of Scotland's top ten outlets, as ranked by the National Federation, located in the region or nearby Aberdeen.
Stonehaven offers much more than excellent fish and chips. Its beach, a blend of sand and shingle, was honoured with a Keep Scotland Beautiful award earlier this year for its cleanliness, facilities, and accessibility.
The lively harbour invites visitors to take a stroll to burn off those calories, while the Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum on the quayside provides a glimpse into the town's history.
Not far away, the dramatic ruins of Dunnotter Castle perch atop a 160-foot rock, creating one of Scotland's most iconic images.
The cliffs surrounding Stonehaven are home to tens of thousands of seabirds, and the town comes alive during the famous Stonehaven Fireballs event, which rings in the New Year with a fiery spectacle.
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Located about 15 miles south of Aberdeen, Stonehaven can be reached by car from Glasgow or Edinburgh in roughly two and a half hours.
Meanwhile, Scotland's favourite fish and chip shop was recently crowned in the eagerly awaited Deliveroo Restaurant Awards.
Sea Salt and Sole, with four locations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, in Dyce, Bridge of Don, Cove, and Ellon, claimed the title of Best Fish and Chips in Scotland 2025.
Known for using freshly caught fish and locally sourced ingredients, Sea Salt and Sole has won over foodies with its signature double-cooked chips, which perfectly complement many dishes. The menu changes with the seasons, with careful attention given to everything from the potato varieties to frying temperatures.
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